FBI warns small businesses of cyber crime

The FBI, who spoke at the session, stressed the importance of reporting an intrusion immediately. (MGN)

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. —

In the first of four sessions, small business owners learned their sensitive information is one click away from being compromised.

"It made me even more aware to be more precautious," said Kirksville Regional Economic Development Inc. Director Carolyn Chrisman.

One report claims half of all cyber-attacks are committed against small businesses.

"Hearing today's stories of how there have been local problems with identity being captured or things being ransomed by people, you know, that's a concern," Chrisman said.

The FBI, who spoke at the session, stressed the importance of reporting an intrusion immediately.

The FBI said acting quickly is critical.

In a statement to KTVO the FBI said Business Email Compromise (BEC), is the number one cyber scam for businesses.

BEC emails appear like they're coming from a supplier asking for an immediate wire transfer.

To confirm authenticity of the email, the FBI said not to respond to that email.

Send an independent email, or call the person making the request.

"We are experiencing, not just here in Missouri, but in America, a lot of threats on our cyber security," said Small Business Counsel of Small Business and Technology Development Center Anastasia Tiedemann.

With the new year beginning with a major security flaw in Intel computer chips, one take away from the session, be careful what you share.